The Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring kayaker is a competent paddler in mild, protected waters (coastal waters, inland lakes, and gently flowing rivers) with regular access to landing areas. They have the judgment to know when they should not paddle and have a plan for when things do not go as expected. This is an entry-level to the coastal kayaking discipline of the American Canoe Association. Whereas Level 1 kayakers paddle in completely sheltered areas, Level 2 kayakers are honing newfound skills and challenging themselves to venture out and explore sheltered bays, inlets, and rivers.
This ACA Skills Assessment course evaluates a participant’s ability to perform the skills listed and demonstrate appropriate knowledge. The assessment course provides the participant with the opportunity to receive documentation of having achieved a Level 2 of paddling ability.
Note: The course may be taken in any type of kayak (sea kayaks, whitewater kayaks, crossover kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, or recreational kayaks). Spray skirts are optional, but if a skirt is used, wet exits must be done with a skirt. Bulkheads are not required; however, some form of flotation must be present to keep the kayak at the surface.
One day (8 hours) minimum.
A location that offers calm and protected waters with constant access to landing areas within 0.5 nautical miles of shore. Conditions during the assessment shall be:
5 Participants : 1 Assessor; with an additional qualified assistant, the ration can be 10 : 2. The maximum number of participants permitted is 10.
This assessment course may be offered by Level 2: Essentials of Kayak Touring (or higher) ACA Instructors, Instructor Trainers, or Instructor Trainer Educators. Sit-On-Top Instructors may only provide this course to sit-on top paddlers.